In the remote village of Fafião, nestled in the rugged Gerês mountains, locals gather once a year for a celebration known as the Festival Aldeia de Lobos — the Festival of the Wolf. On the surface, it’s a vibrant event with drums, dancing, and village feasts. But at its core, the festival is much more than a celebration; it is a remembrance of an ancient balance between humans and the wild.

Hiking for one day can be the perfect escape from the city. There’s something deeply rejuvenating about stepping onto rocky trails and breathing in fresh air. We all know it – spending time outside is good for us. I always think the same thing after a solo day trip: “I really should do this more often, you know?”

Even when it rains, there’s plenty to do in Porto. You can duck into cozy cafés, explore museums, or wander through the misty botanical gardens. And sure, that can feel charming at first — the kind of rain-soaked romanticism we sell ourselves on. You sip your coffee, watch the droplets slide down the window, and tell yourself it’s cozy.

Sometimes you just need to escape the city and go touch some grass. When that desire is growing you need to follow that urge into the wilderness. Whether that might be the local park, ocean, a lake, a forest or that nearby mountain range.